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The propensity to adopt evidence-based practice among physical therapists
Patricia H Bridges1, Laura L Bierema, Thomas Valentine
1Division of Physical Therapy Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. pbridge@emory.edu
BMC Health Services Research
|July 7, 2007
Summary
Physical therapists' adoption of evidence-based practice (EBP) is influenced by personal traits like desire for learning and highest degree. Integrating EBP requires multiple strategies, as no single factor ensures its use in daily practice.
Area of Science:
- Physical Therapy
- Health Services Research
- Knowledge Translation
Background:
- Physical therapists are encouraged to adopt evidence-based practice (EBP).
- Integrating EBP into daily physical therapy practice is crucial.
- Understanding factors influencing EBP adoption is essential for effective implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine how personal characteristics influence physical therapists' adoption of EBP.
- To assess the impact of workplace social system characteristics on EBP adoption.
- To identify key predictors of physical therapists' propensity to adopt EBP.
Main Methods:
- A mailed self-completion questionnaire with 69 items was used.
- The instrument measured propensity for EBP adoption, personal characteristics, and social system factors.
- A random sample of 1320 physical therapists licensed in Georgia, USA, was drawn from an eligible population of 3,897.
Main Results:
- A 73% response rate was achieved, with 831 usable questionnaires.
- Desire for learning (r=.36), highest degree held (r=.29), and practicality (r=.27) showed moderate associations with EBP adoption.
- Age, years licensed, and time in direct patient care correlated negatively with EBP adoption.
Conclusions:
- No single factor guarantees the integration of research evidence into practice.
- Multiple strategies are necessary to facilitate the adoption of evidence-based practice in physical therapy.
- Personal characteristics, particularly desire for learning and educational attainment, are significant predictors of EBP adoption.
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